Carnaval and Mizque Adventures!

It’s busy here in Cochabamba—we have a team from the Embassy Church in Waterloo, Canada; it’s Carnaval, a huge, fun celebration; and life is still bringing surprises and stress. Hopefully, I will officially be done with the apartment stress this week or early next week, which will be a huge relief. But, despite all the drama, Carnaval and an amazing trip to Mizque took my mind off everything.

Carnaval, which is a huge celebration and holiday in Bolivia, was an absolute blast. Last Saturday, we celebrated with the girls. The team and I were ambushed with water jugs, water balloons, and buckets of water. Despite the extreme wetness, it was so much fun! Even the little ones got involved.

Sunday we left for Mizque super early. Although I have been to Mizque and a few of the communities before, I have never been during Carnaval, which was a completely different experience, nor have I made the trip with some of the girls, which made it even better. Before arriving in Mizque, we stopped at Inkallajta, the Incan ruins in the Cochabmba region. It was the first time the girls had seen the ruins and learned the history.

Just getting to the ruins, however, was quite an adventure! We drove up in taxis, but because of all the recent rain that has filled the rivers, we couldn’t pass in the cars. So, some brave ones scaled tree trunks to the other side, and others of us crossed the rushing, very full river. It was definitely an experience I will always remember! Once we hiked up to the ruins, it was absolutely beautiful—blue skies, huge clouds, and vivid colors! We visited this beautiful waterfall, which a few of the girls climbed right into. They truly are quite the adventurers!

After the ruins, we were Mizque bound, and arrived just in time for dinner. After dinner, we played Cacho, a Bolivia dice game. Cacho is a drinking game, but because the girls were present, it turned into a whole new game of acting out animals and people.

We were up early the next morning to head to a new community, Quebras, about an hour outside of the town. But, before heading off, we armed ourselves with water guns, water balloons, and buckets of water since we were making the drive in the back of a garbage truck. Honestly, it was one of the most fun things I have ever done—hanging out of a garbage truck screaming, throwing water balloons, and shooting water at people and cars.

Once we arrived in Quebras, we quickly got to work. They kids from the wawawasi, which means baby home in Quechua, danced and sang for us. The kids in the communities we visit are absolutely beautiful. It does make me sad, however, that so many of the little ones have such sadness and defeat in their eyes—something no kid should know of at such a young age. After the presentation, we played games with them, painted their faces, and passed out the items we brought to outfit the wawawasi. The community was very thankful, and invited us to eat and enjoy time with them.

The ride back to Mizque was full of water balloons and laughter. We ate lunch, and then headed to the river to enjoy ice cream and time in the water. It was a little rougher than it appeared, but definitely wonderful to be in the water and playing with the girls. After a shower, we spent our free time together talking and chatting. But, this quickly turned into a dance competition—boys vs. girls. I haven’t laughed so hard in a long time! It really is wonderful to see that you can use more than words to communicate. Although the girls and the team members don’t speak the same languages, they still were able to laugh and enjoy each other.

Tuesday, after breakfast and some free time in Mizque, we headed back to Cochabamba. Once back in the city, I took the older girls out to participate in the city-wide water fights. We had a blast, and definitely came home sopping wet.

I will miss the time spent with the girls the most. Although I love the boys and cherish the days I spend with them, I have a very different relationship with the girls. I have gotten to know many of them on a deep level, and have helped some of the older ones with boy troubles and “growing pains.” It really makes me sad to leave behind such wonderful girls, who have become my little sisters, my friends.

Another great trip to Mizque, especially because of the girls’ presence and company, and the wonderful visit to the community. These trips to small, extremely poor communities really open my eyes and make me thankful for all the blessings in my life. Celebrations and festivities like Carnaval make me realize how lucky I am to live in another country learning and living a new culture. But, it also makes me sad knowing I will not be here next year to throw water balloons from a garbage truck or run around the city with the girls laughing. Looking at the positive side, I at least have these wonderful memories, and can carry them with me forever.

Whirlwind.

Since Christmas, I feel like time has flown by and everything, including yesterday, is just memories--scattered on the ground and remembered through photos and distant memories. I want to remember everything that has happened, but it seems so far out of reach and something that can only be recalled in dreams. But, remembering is always a better option than letting the happiness and joy, sadness and melancholy of each moment pass us by, brush our skin and soar away.

Christmas was spent here in Bolivia with my parents and, of course, the kids. Preparing for the celebration was fun, as my parents and I ventured to the Cancha to find gifts for the homes. This was one of my favorite memories, and is the epitome of the holiday—giving to others, and enjoying it.

My other favorite memory was watching the kids open their presents. There is nothing like seeing the wonder, amazement, and excitement on their faces as they pull out dolls and trucks, new clothes and games! I never thought I would enjoy watching people open presents more than opening gifts myself.

Before heading home, we stopped in La Paz for a visit. La Paz, the capital, which is located in a bowl surrounded by magical mountains, is definitely one of my most favorite places. The capital city holds some indescribable magic, allure, and brilliance, and I was excited to share this with my parents.

Once back on U.S. soil, I got to see some of my best friends—definitely a highlight of being home. Without the support of my family and friends, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today. But, soon we were headed to Kaiser emergency room because something was seriously wrong with my dad. This was very difficult because it was obvious that during our time in Bolivia, he was struggling and not well. After hours and hours in the ER, a specialist discovered he had been given the wrong type of insulin by the Kaiser pharmacy. This was definitely a low point of my time at home, and made it even harder to board the plane on January 24th back to Cochabamba.

Despite my dad’s health scare, my month at home was full of adventure, love, and wonderful memories. While enjoying beautiful scenery with my parents and enjoying a night of fun with my friends, I begged and willed time to stop, or at least slow down. It only, however, seemed to speed up.

Sooner than expected and…wanted, it was January 24th and time to return to Bolivia. It is difficult to explain and even harder to understand, but I feel like my heart is torn between a place I absolutely love—where I grew up, where my family and friends are, and where I have always called home—and a place where I have sisters and brothers, wonderful memories, a place that has helped and allowed me to grow and mature, and a place I have become attached to. I am torn between these two worlds, and wishing I was able to be in both simultaneously.

Since being back, everything has been hectic and chaotic. But, the best part has been seeing the kids and spending time with them. Once arriving, it has been non-stop work and moving and cleaning my apartment. It has been stressful trying to balance both, but we have to do what we have to do, despite the pressure and stress.

As of now, despite the chaos, I am trying to enjoy my time with the kids, and prepare myself for my journey back to the States this summer. It is already a daunting thought as I think about leaving this life and the kids that I have come to love and cherish in about 4 months. But, part of me is looking forward to a new journey and a new adventure.

World AIDS Day

Our Ninos con Valor group at the march.
A little girl and her sign that is calling for a health budget for those living with HIV/AIDS.
Abigail, Adriana, and Johana at the march.
The girls marching towards the Main Plaza.
A group was carrying around this coffin–a symbol of the death of Antiretroviral drugs, the treatment for those living with HIV/AIDS, in Bolivia.


December 1st is World AIDS Day–a day for people around the world to unite in the fight against AIDS and HIV, support those living with the disease, and remember and commemorate those who have died. Each year, the foundation participates and joins the marches and activities planned for this day.

This year was an important march, movement, and occupation of the main plaza–to promote knowledge about the disease and about the lack of resources and medicine. Recently, there was news that by the end of 2012 there will be no more medicine for those living with HIV/AIDS here in Bolivia. According to the Bolivian government, the countries and organizations that donate medicine and money to help those who are living positively have suspended their donations.It is not known why this happened, but many are speculating that the government has not been using the money properly.

Currently, about 4,500 people in Bolivia are living positively, but this number only includes the reported cases. According to many organizations, about 17,000 to 20,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS. This discrepancy is due to unreported cases and those who are undiagnosed and untreated.

Therefore, this year, the World AIDS Day march focused on a budget for care, treatment, and medicine for those living and affected by HIV/AIDS. Many people were talking about the lack of medicine and medical care, as well as the lack of education about the disease–how it is contracted, what it is, how to prevent it, etc. For the march, those who are positive were instructed to wear all black, and to show our solidarity and support, the girls and the staff who attended the movement dressed in black as well. We marched from the southern section of the city in the Cancha north to the Main Plaza. While marching, many carried signs, and all chanted about never forgetting those who have died from this disease, as well as a dire need for medicine, education, care, and understanding.Once in the Plaza, tents were set-up to provide information about HIV/AIDS and speakers from different organizations were giving out information about the disease and the crisis about the medicine.

Although a march and movement have been organized, not enough is being done here in Bolivia to improve the lives of those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, and to educated others about the disease. I only hope that the Bolivian government will do something to ensure those who need the medicine will receive it.

It never fails to amaze me how wonderful and caring our kids are. They talked to other people at the march, chanted, and participated. They all realize that the medicine crisis will not only affect thousands of people in the country, but will affect people they know and live with. Therefore, participating and taking a stand for something that will improve lives has become important to them.

Giving Thanks.

Thanksgiving has come and gone already, and I find myself really understanding the meaning of being thankful and realizing all the blessings I have received. This year, I am not only thankful for my family--my wonderful parents who have given me so much love and support, my grandparents, and uncles, aunts, cousins, and my amazing friends--but I am thankful for my Bolivian family. The girls and boys of Ninos con Valor have changed my life forever, and I love them all so. They have taught me important life lessons--bravery and loyalty, friendship and trust, but most importantly, how to love despite pain. For being so young, these kids are so wise.

I am also thankful for the opportunities I have had, including the time I have spent in Bolivia. I have learned so much about myself here in Cochabamba. I have learned how to face obstacles with strength and faith, extreme appreciation of what i have and have had, and unconditional love for the important people in my life--I wouldn't be who I am or where I am without you all.

This holiday season, as I spend time with the kids baking cookies and making advent calendars, I will appreciate the little moments that bring so much happiness and joy into my life. And, although I will be celebrating Christmas away from my family and friends, I will appreciate their love and send my love to them.

More than thankful for these girls--they have given me the chance to be an older sister, and help me to remember to laugh and not take life so seriously.
Oh, these boys keep me young at heart--running around in water on hot days, playing with cars, and snuggling up reading story books.

Campo Visit Brings Hope

Living in a nice apartment on the north-side of the city and working at two homes located directly in the center, I can easily forget that this, sadly, is not the reality for majority of the Bolivian people. I have my own room, running water, electricity, a separate bathroom with a toilet and a shower, but for a big percentage of Bolivians, these are all luxuries, and for some, have never and will never be experienced.

But, my visit to the campo today definitely helped me remember how majority of families live in Bolivia. Standing before two families that are extremely impoverished, but definitely filled with love, kindness, and extreme appreciation, I felt embarrassed about how much I take for granted and how much I have been blessed with. Standing there today, I wished I could change the world in one small way--create equality and justice for all. And, give those who have so little a chance to experience the "luxuries" and not have to stress about where the next meal will come from or how new school clothes and books will be payed for--things no one should have to worry about.

Along with the social worker who works quite diligently to protect and to create a brighter future for the children of Ninos con Valor and the families we work with, we set off to visit two families the foundation has been helping. The first family is made up of an elderly grandmother and her 5 grandchildren. After both parents passed away, the grandmother took in the children so they would not have to enter the system, which means potentially being separated. However, because the grandmother is older and very sick, the children have taken on responsibilities that no child should have to deal with, let alone even think about.

The oldest sister met us at one of the homes to ensure we arrived safely, and thank goodness she did! We spent about an hour and a half on multiple trufis heading out of the city. Once we arrived in her "neighborhood" (zona in spanish), we walked for 25 minutes on dirt and rock roads to get to their house. The children and the grandmother were extremely grateful, and very welcoming. Although they possess very little, they have learned what is truly important--family, love, and unity. We talked about how they were all doing in school and joked around.

View from their house-the city isn't even in sight.

The family together-they have so much love for each other.

We took pictures of the kids because we are trying to raise money to help the three oldest enter college, and promote sponsorship of all the children. The oldest sister is finishing her first year at a local university and is studying law. She leaves the house at 6 AM in order to arrive at the university for her 8 AM classes. She works extremely hard in school, and is very responsible. Her two siblings will enter a university next year--the sister wants to study to become a nurse, and the brother wants to become a mechanic. They all realize that receiving an education is the only way to help their siblings and create a future for their family.

The hike the oldest sister takes each day in order to attend her classes.

After a quick lunch break, we were back on a trufi headed out the city to visit another family. This family consists of a mother, a father, and 5 children. The parents got together at a very young age, and had their first child when the mother was 15. Both have very little education, and currently do small jobs to make enough money to squeeze by--the mom sells fruit in the market two days a week, and takes care of a house, and the father is a brick-layer and mason. The father works from early in the morning until late at night, so the mom takes care of the children.

The mother and her 5 children.

All 7 of the family members live in one room with 2 mattresses, a broken TV, and one light. Despite the lack of space and resources, the family is very close and appreciates what they have. They are building a kitchen, but the construction is slow due to the lack of money. But, the mother explained that it is slowly coming together. Once we arrived, they offered us Pepsi. The mother expressed her embarrassment, however, about the old, worn-out cups. We chatted with the mom about her health (She was diagnosed with cancer a few years back and had a surgery to remove the large tumor) and talked to the children about school. We also took pictures of them in hopes of finding sponsors for the 5 siblings.

The one room all live in, and the kitchen that is being built to the right.

Although these moments are tough on the spirit and the belief in hope, justice, and equality, these moments help me realize just how lucky I am. I have been blessed with wonderful, caring parents, a university education, a roof over my head, healhty food, and the chance to travel and experience the world.

My hope for the future is that one day justice will reign, equality will prevail, and those who are without will have what they need.

Understanding.

This past week has been about trying to make sense of and understand things going on around me. More than any other week in Bolivia, last week tested my ideas about cultural acceptance and sensitivity--if something is a cultural norm, does it make it right??

After turning my visa papers into the immigration offices in August, I assumed that I would have my passport and 2 year visa by November. Clearly, I was wrong. The workers keep commenting that I "Just turned the papers in not too long ago." However, to me, 3 months to stamp and write on the visa seems quite adequate. So, I am still waiting, not patiently and very begrudgingly, for my passport and my visa to return from La Paz--after three months.

After receiving this news from the immigration officer, I went to get a bus home and ended up taking a tour of the city. Without announcement, the Police blocked off all major bridges and roads leading up north, towards my house. Everyone on the bus was confused and upset about the blockades, as nothing had been announced. A woman on the bus started crying because she was worried about picking up her daughter from school. The bus driver drove all over the city attempting to cross-over and head north, but everything was blocked. So, I decided to make the long trek from downtown up to my apartment, a 45 minute walk. After getting home, I learned that there was a major bicycle race through the city, but no announcements had been made previously about the road closures.

And, on Friday, I went to the one of the schools the girls attend to see their end of the year performances. I enjoy going to these school, and look forward to them. But, mid-way through the presentations, one of the girls informed me that one of the other girls was crying in the bathroom. So, along with her sister, I went in to the bathroom to figure out what was going on. Eventually through tons of sobs and tears, she told us the director of the school had hit her. I was immediately angry and outraged, and her sister went to talk to another tia who was there. Who could hit a child, especially a kid that has already suffered violence, neglect, and abandonment?
When we got home, I talked with the tia who had also been present at the school. And, as we talked about what happened, I was shocked at her lack of outrage and anger. She seemed to be placing some of the blame on the girl who had been hit. The director claimed that because our girl had been rude and had an attitude, she hit her. I was appalled by this, and shocked the other tia wasn't more upset. She was saying that because I am not Bolivian and of the Bolivian culture, I wouldn't understand. But, despite my culture, hitting a kid is wrong and child abuse. And, just because this may be something that is accepted and approved of within the Bolivian culture, does not make it right.

Last week was very trying, and had me questioning certain factors of the Bolivian culture. And, I realize, the culture of the US, the culture I grew up in, is far from perfect and has many unsolved problems. Unannounced blockades seems inconsiderate and inefficient, but something that will not harm anyone. And, taking extra time to complete and finalize paperwork to make an extra buck seems wrong and erroneous. But, sadly, is something that stems from severe, fierce poverty that has plagued the Bolivian people for hundreds of years. But, hitting a child because of his or her attitude and rudeness is never allowed--it is child abuse. And, just because something is an accepted cultural norm, does not make it right. And, I say the same thing about cultural norms of the US--the envious, greedy, ravenous, self-indulgent nature of many North Americans. Just because this is normal and accepted by many North Americans, does not make it right!

So, I look at these moments as enlightening and illuminating. I invite these instances, and realize that although I may not be able to change everyone's opinions, I can change, help, and improve the lives of the kids I am working with--protecting them from abusive teachers, helping them discover their talents and strengths, and assisting them in creating a better, brighter future for themselves.

Karina Lost Her Tooth!

After weeks and weeks of two very loose front teeth, Karina made the brave decision to pull out her own tooth last Friday. Earlier last week, the other very loose front tooth fell out while she was eating, but its pair held on for the next few days by a very, very strong root. Her new teeth were beginning to grow in, and we were hoping it would fall out naturally. But, this was a very stubborn tooth!

So, last Friday after lunch, Karina sat in the dining room with a group of the tias. She was determined to get the tooth out, but was extremely nervous about the pain and the blood. After about 10 minutes of crying and trying to pry the stubborn tooth out by herself, the tias convinced Karina that a better idea was to use string, and that way she could get it out all by herself. And, after some panicking, Karina was convinced that this was the best, quickest way to get this very stubborn tooth out!

So, after we put ice on the tooth, Karina asked for a countdown and pulled the string. She pulled her tooth out all by herself! Karina was extremely excited and proud of herself, but I think she was most excited about the ice cream she got after!